A Chance Acquaintance

Name: A Chance Acquaintance
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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American Literature

About This Book

The narrative follows a young woman who, while traveling up a river near Quebec, becomes the focus of a reserved gentleman's attention and her cousin's enthusiastic matchmaking. Their acquaintance deepens through shared excursions, letters, and a countryside picnic, and polite infatuation grows into a tentative courtship. A moral and emotional test confronts the pair, forcing them to confront expectations, pride, and sincerity, and the resolution treats both practical and sentimental consequences. The work combines gentle comedy with close observation of social manners and the delicate development of romantic feeling.

About the Author

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.